Research of the Long-term Outcomes Uni-lateral Cleft Lip & Palate Repair in Texas
This investigation will examine objectively the widely-held belief that long-term outcomes for cleft patients are better when they have been cared for on a regular basis by a team versus uncoordinated, as-needed care and relates to children in need in Texas that are not served by a craniofacial center.
Your support of this project will give the WCF the ability to learn more about long-term outcomes for patients, which will then be shared with surgeons worldwide. The team-approach used by Foundation physicians calls upon the skills of orthodontists to maintain the integrity of the structure of the mouth and speech therapy. Many children needing treatment are covered only by Medicaid and orthodontic work is not part of the allowed treatment. This research project in cooperation with researchers from the Baylor College of Dentistry will provide statistics that will be important in planning future patient treatment to ensure the best outcomes.
